Reno embraces its diverse cultural heritage with enthusiasm-and Oktoberfest celebrations are no exception. Oktoberfest, an annual festival in Munich, Germany, held over several weeks at the beginning of fall, originated in 1810. As is tradition, the mayor of Munich taps the first keg to open the festivities. An estimated 2 million gallons of beer are consumed, along with countless sausages. Locals and visitors from around the world, many dressed in folk costumes, sing renditions of traditional drinking songs. There are parades, music and dancing aplenty.